Wright, Wise Blame Wenger For Starting Iwobi Vs Chelsea

Former Arsenal and Chelsea stars, Ian Wright and Dennis Wise, has faulted Arsene Wenger’s decision to start Alex Iwobi ahead of Walcott and Alexis Sanchez in Arsenal’s 0-0 away draw at Chelsea in their first leg semi-final clash of the Carabao Cup at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

Iwobi was filmed clubbing just 48 hours before featuring for the Gunners in their 4-2 FA Cup loss to Nottingham Forest at Ashton Gate last Sunday.

“For a youngster to come into a club like Arsenal, and thinks he is OK to go out less than 48 hours before a game, it says there is something wrong in the dressing room,” Wright said on Sky Sports’ The Debate.

“You can’t have a player thinking he can do that and still play again (against Chelsea). What message does that send?

“In the current climate with Arsenal going through what they are, experienced players wanting to leave, no leadership, for that to happen.

“Arsenal have got to find what they are losing. People laugh and see us as a joke. It feels like he is losing control.

“Mourinho wouldn’t have that and I don’t think a United player would do it.

“When we were playing, you didn’t read about players doing that. Sir Alex Ferguson went to people’s houses and threw players out for having a party.

“It’s just something you don’t do.”

Former Chelsea legend Dennis Wise also backed Wright’s view and believe Wenger sent the wrong message to the rest of the Arsenal squad starting Iwobi in the game at Stamford Bridge.

“If I was one of those players on the bench, knowing what he had done, I would be upset. It doesn’t send the right message,” Wise said during his post match analysis of the game.

“Sanchez and Walcott are on the bench. Is it because they are going or for a tactical part? I would have put either of them in front of Iwobi.”

Meanwhile, Wenger has branded Iwobi’s actions “unacceptable” and he confirmed Iwobi would be fined if he was found to have breached Arsenal rules.